ABB
has been working with Mardix, a leading provider of switchgear
solutions, to provide electrical control for a major UK/Global media
client.
The project sees ABB providing all control and power distribution
equipment for Mardix LV switchgear being installed on site. The
switchgear includes a variety of high power custom-built 6300A Package
Substations, LV switchboards, UPS switchboards and Mechanical
panelboards. ABB’s S200 series MCBs were fitted to large quantities of
various types of final distribution boards manufactured by Mardix to
compliment the overall offering.
The Mardix mains LV switchboards have been certified by the
Association of Short Circuit Testing (ASTA) up to 6300A in a naturally
cooled configuration which is an achievement few switchgear
manufacturers can claim for the ABB Emax ACB. The switchboards are
perfectly suited to handling large electrical loads for the media
client’s studios. This capability was achieved through an innovative
switchboard design, and a range of ABB co-ordinated electrical control
equipment.
“We have made significant advances in the cooling technology utilised
in the Mardix cubicle system. Achieving the ASTA Certificate of Type
Testing for a 6300A naturally cooled configuration has demonstrated the
superior performance of the new Mardix Busbar systems” says Wayne Lewis,
Director for Mardix. “We fully endorse an ASTA approach, and see it as
enhanced peace of mind for clients who know that Mardix equipment has
been subject to rigorous testing without failure”.
The Mardix switchboards utilise a range of ABB equipment including
ABB’s Emax air circuit breaker range, rated from 800A to 6300A, Tmax
Moulded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs) from 100A to 1600A, Miniature
Circuit Breakers (MCBs) S200s up to 63A and the panel mount OS fuse
switch range up to 400A. ABB is also handling the discrimination,
coordination and selectivity aspects of the installation, which is
designed to support the needs of the media client for the next 25 to 30
years.
“ABB equipment was chosen for its reliability. Any media company
cannot afford to go off air for any length of time, so reliability is
extremely important,” says Dave McWilliam, Account Manager for ABB’s low
voltage products division, “We have vast experience in dealing with
complex, high profile projects and have worked with Mardix on similar
projects in the past.”
Each LV switchboard has been specifically developed to house the Emax
6300A air circuit breakers. Mardix has also developed a new cooling
chamber specifically for the cooling requirements of the switchboards.
The ABB Emax range’s design eliminates the disadvantages and
limitations associated with air circuit breakers – the integrated design
features advanced monitoring, protection and control functions that
were previously performed by external devices. This combined
functionality saves space within the switchboard and time because there
is less equipment to install.
ABB’s MCBs and MCCBs provide protection against overload, short
circuits and earth faults. The circuit breakers protect the switchboards
from surges in current and the broadcaster’s equipment from stress and
overloads.
The inclusion of ABB’s OS fuse switch range provides the Mardix
switchboards with outgoing protection and the ability to connect
equipment in a flexible manner. The OS range is available in
single-to-four pole versions and it is possible to select devices with
connections provided from the front, the side or the rear with vertical
and horizontal mounting options. This flexibility allows more equipment
to be fitted into the switchboards with the installer selecting the
best connection type to reduce engineering resource.
Equipment is currently being manufactured at the Mardix headquarters
in preparation for delivery to the client’s site. The equipment will be
added to a current installed base of ABB Emax , OESA fuse switches and
other legacy products that were fitted during phase one of the project
to provide a fully integrated ABB installation that will control the
studios and facilities on site. The integration of further ABB products
will harmonise and coordinate products further.
For more information on ABB’s low voltage equipment, telephone 020 8667 9660 or email lv.products@gb.abb.com quoting reference: “Mardix”